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Deputies in tactical gear leads to school lockdown, school officials say

School learned of suspect search when teacher saw deputies in tactical gear

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Updated: 7:22 AM EDT Apr 29, 2016

Deputies in tactical gear leads to school lockdown, school officials say

School learned of suspect search when teacher saw deputies in tactical gear

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Updated: 7:22 AM EDT Apr 29, 2016

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. —

After an elementary school teacher saw deputies in tactical gear near her school, the school was put on lockdown and officials learned that deputies were looking for a stabbing suspect, according to Beth Brotherton with Greenville County Schools.

At about 2:45 p.m. Thursday, a teacher on bus duty saw two squad cars pull up next to the back of Alexander Elementary School, according to Brotherton. The school is at 1601 W. Bramlett Road in Greenville.

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The teacher said she saw deputies wearing tactical gear and made the decision to take waiting children back inside the school.

The teacher radioed the front office to inform the principal of the nearby law enforcement activity and the principal made the decision to put the school on full lockdown.

All students and staff were moved to the cafeteria. Because of the timing of the incident, some of the car-riding students had already been dismissed as had children who walk to school and the first round of buses.

Brotherton said the remaining students were held in the cafeteria until 3:10 p.m. when the sheriff's office gave the all clear.

Deputies informed school staff that they had been searching for a suspect involved in a stabbing at 234 West Bramlett and Wood streets and that the man suspected in the stabbing had been apprehended.

One man was injured in the stabbing and he was taken to the hospital. His name has

not been released. Matthew Scott Ertzberger, 25, is charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

Deputies said the men involved in the stabbing knew each other.

Parents were notified twice by phone, once to inform them of the lockdown and again to provide more complete information about the incident and the precautions taken.

"We are proud of the quick action taken by school staff to ensure student safety," Brotherton said.